The Hindu 07.04.2017
Water supply, usage to be curbed in city
Pumping of water to be reduced by half between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
City residents would be facing a major shortage of water with the
government stepping in to impose serious curbs on water supply so that
the available water can be stretched over the summer months.
The
acute shortage of water in Peppara dam has forced the government to take
immediate steps to impose at least 25% restriction in the usage of
water, Water Resources Minister Mathew T. Thomas announced here on
Thursday.
Pumping of water will be reduced by half between 6 a.m.
and 6 p.m. At night, water distribution to low-lying areas will be
controlled using valves so that more water can reach areas uphill.
No
new water connections will be given till the next monsoon. All
non-domestic consumers of water with over two lakh litres monthly
consumption will be asked to reduce their usage by half, Mr. Thomas said
He
said that the available water at Peppara dam will suffice only till May
18. Water usage has to be brought down by at least 25% if the available
water is to be stretched over May 25.
Monitoring squads
A
permanent team of the Kerala Water Authority is being put in place for
controlling the valves in each section. Five squads of KWA for
monitoring and preventing water theft and misuse of water is also being
set up at the sub-division level.
Directions are being given to
all heads of government institutions and department heads to ensure that
the water valves on their premises are kept closed after office hours
and on holidays so that there is no loss of water due to leakage.
Treated
and purified water will not be allowed to be used for construction or
non-drinking purposes. For non-domestic usage, recycled water from
Muttathara sewage plant can be made available free of cost, Mr. Thomas
said.
A help desk and control room is being set up to address
consumer issues. A toll-free number, 1800 4255 313, has been set up
which the consumers can call to redress any complaints regarding water
supply, pipe bursts or water leakage . The public should understand the
current situation of water shortage and cooperate with the authorities
by restricting their water usage, Mr. Thomas said.
Meanwhile, the
government is also contemplating a major project to ensure 24-hour water
supply in all Corporations in the State. A second round of discussions
with Asian Development Bank is being planned in this regard next week.
Under the project, Neyyar river has been identified as the major source
for meeting the water requirements of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
Central team visit
With the Centre declaring eight States as drought-hit, a Central team will be visiting the State from April 18, he added.
